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This month's newsletter features the listings that were submitted to me this past month. The contacts listed are sorted into FIVE sections. 1. Publications that will REVIEW your music |
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2. SITES/PUBLICATIONS WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR MUSIC REVIEWED herbertsherbert.com PO Box 6218, Albany, CA 94706 Norman Famous herbert@herbertsherbert.com www.herbertsherbert.com Features reviews of self-released independent music. We also feature articles about, and interviews with, independent musicians. herbertsherbert.com is not genre-specific. All types of music are welcome. To find out how to get your music reviewed by our esteemed staff of self-proclaimed arbiters of musical taste, please visit our website. Agenda Magazine 3901 Scandia Way, Los Angeles, CA 90065 PH: 323-206-3330 Sean McKenzie sean@agendamag.com www.Agendamag.com A fashion ezine that also reviews music from independent artists. We have reviewed indie artists Morganne, Shani and Shane Blue, just to name a few. UBO Services PO Box 160365, Sacramento, CA 95816-0365 PH: 916-718-9804 Aaris Schroeder ubomag@gmail.com www.myspace.com/ubomagazine A Hip Hop magazine that promotes underground, unsigned and independent artists through media! We will create press kits, contact media sources, mail kits and follow up with sources to ensure a high chance for review! Indie-Music.com PO Box 3339, Cary, NC 27519-3339 Jennifer Layton writers@indie-music.com www.indie-music.com/reviewpolicy.php You can request a certain writer or you can simply submit your package and it will be distributed among our current pool of reviewers. Blistering.com C.P. St Dorothee, PO Box 69023, Laval, QC H7X 3M2 PH/FX: 450-689-7106 Rob Cotter rob@blistering.com www.blistering.com Metal music community. Submit your CDs and demos. Bands can sell their CDs at our store. We also feature downloads.
3. RADIO SHOWS THAT WILL PLAY YOUR MUSIC Bub Music Radio PO Box 137, Springfield, VT 05156 Patrick Kelley pat@bubmusicradio.com www.bubmusicradio.com Internet radio station with streaming audio and podcasts of indie music, sports, comedy and talk radio programs. iChannel PH: 314-983-6000 Virgil Stirnaman virgil.stirnaman@ichannelmusic.com www.ichannelmusic.com An online radio station unlike any other. We play the best unsigned music from around the world. DJ AZ Productions PH: 07990626729 DJ AZ djazproductions@toucansurf.com www.artistserver.com/DJAZPRODUCTIONS Music production and unsigned artist promotion. I also host a UK internet radio show that plays Trance, Techno, House, Garage, Drum n Bass, Hip Hop, R&B, Hardcore, Dance and Club. Worldwide Music Exchange WDYN 1318 East lT, Russellville, AR 72801 Ray cfans@arkansas.net www.wdyn.com We play all indie music in the following formats: Traditonal Country, Blues, Bluegrass, Folk, Latin, Hawaiian, Southern Gospel, Rockabilly, Reggae, Hillbilly/Mountain, Mexicana {Mexican music in English}, Americana and Soul. M3 Radio Attn: Tony-O/Music Dir., 259 W. 30th St. 12th Fl. New York, NY 10001 Tony-O M3Radio@aol.com www.M3Radio.com WE WANT YOUR MUSIC! We're an Indie friendly radio station with a worldwide audience! Feel free to send us CDs (for legal liability reasons we do not program downloads). If you're not sure your music may be right for us then you may need to do a bit of homework and listen to our station (it's free!!!!!) The Really Really Mad Podcast Show Paul paul@nervecenter.wanadoo.co.uk www.starlight-media.co.uk A new show showcasing talent, music and comedy from all around the globe with a huge slice of our madness and satirical outlook. The Home Made Hit Show Tony Butterworth homemadehitshow@gmail.com www.homemadehitshow.com Featuring exciting and original Rock, Acoustic, Blues and Pop music made by home based artists. Skope Radio radio@skopemagazine.com www.skopemagazine.com/html/radio.html The idea behind the Skope Radio was to offer an opportunity for artists to submit MP3s directly to the Skope website. From there, as long as all the prerequisites are in place, the song will appear on the station. Moozikoo Radio PO Box 50322, Nashville, TN 37205-0322 Anthony Bates anthony@moozikoo.com www.moozikooradio.com Our goal is to bring you the best music from today's independent artists. We focus on music in the Americana, Alt. Rock, Bluegrass, Blues, and Alt. Country genres. eoRadio PO Box 441234, Aurora, CO 80014-1234 PH: 303-808-8140 Ryan Smith webmaster@eoradio.com http://www.eoradio.com The best free music from unsigned artists from around the globe.
4. SERVICES/VENDORS/LABELS THAT WILL HELP SELL YOUR MUSIC RiPPYFiSH Records 1800 SW. Temple #317, Salt Lake City, UT 84115 PH: 801-487-7302 FX: 801-487-7304 Lisa Miller lisa@rippyfish.com www.rippyfish.com We are an open genre independent record label. TON 4 RECORDS PO Box 311, 2067 Megaliessig, South Africa PH: +27 (0) 72-622-55- 08 FX: +43 (1) 253-30-33-74-08 Ewin Pitsch office@ton.cc www.ton4.com Offers bands, producers and labels the opportunity of worldwide digital and physical representation and distribution of their product. Fruition Artist Agency, LLC. PO Box 3721, Brentwood, TN 37024 PH: 615-300-3755 Carla Archuletta info@fruitionartistagency.com www.fruitionartistagency.com Turning vision into reality. We do review and consider each and every Artist Promotional Kit we receive based on the New Artist Inquiry Form located in the ROSTER section of our website. Turmic Records & Distribution Shane Doherty submissions@turmicrecords.com www.turmicrecords.com Turmic Records and Stellar Artist Management (www.stellarartist.com) are looking for new unsigned artists. We have helped many unsigned artists and bands move to greater platforms and we hope to continually do so. Artists that are interested can send a press kit or send us a link to their webpage. Wholeteam Enterprises, LLC 5588 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. PMB #110, Dunwoody, GA 30338 PH: 888-755-0036 Kysii Ingram keyc@wholeteam.com www.wholeteam.com The one stop marketing solution for your small business. We also specialize in resources for aspiring music artists and independent labels. We have the low cost solution to give your company global exposure with impressive results. Audible Spectrum Records PO Box 7, Hackettstown, NJ 07840 PH: 800-557-0485 x706 Dan Gargano dangargano@audiblespectrum.com www.audiblespectrum.com Features booking services for local bands nationwide. Music Forte 11363 S. Churchill, Plainfield, IL 60585 PH: 888-659-2867 Greg Percifield support@musicforte.com http://www.musicforte.com Musicians - we're ready to start promoting your band and music and it won't cost you a cent! Ariel Publicity Artist Relations and Cyber Promotions 325 W. 38th St. #505, New York, NY 10018 PH: 212-239-8384 FX: 212-239-8380 Ariel Hyatt ariel@arielpublicity.com www.arielpublicity.com Professional promotional services for Indie artists. PeaceWork Music PO Box 25102, Rochester, NY 14625 Jef Peace info@peacework.com www.peaceworkmusic.net International distribution at a low cost. Jerome Promotions & Marketing 2535 Winthrope Way, Lawrenceville, GA 30044 PH: 770-982-7055 FX: 770-982-1882 Bill Jerome hitcd@bellsouth.net http://www.jeromepromotions.com We call the music directors and program directors of over 250 stations several times a week in order to help our artists get airplay and the recognition that they deserve with the goal of helping them make a deal with a major label. Jupiter Promotions PO Box 311, 2067 Megaliessig, South Africa PH: +27 (0) 622-55-08 FX: +43 (1) 253-30-33-74-08 Erwin Pitsch office@ton.cc www.jupiterpromotions.com Specialises in worldwide music marketing and promotion. We sample more than 4000 radio stations and all major television stations. MIG Events and Artist Management 121 Gallus Sq. London, SE3 9NY UK PH: 02084806122 Beks Beks@gigpigs.co.uk www.gigpigs.co.uk We like good music and so should you! Another Norwegian Product A/S Sørårdsbråtan 4, 1900 Fetsund, Norway PH: 98825784 Hege Mohagen hege@anp.no www.anp.no Norwegian record label focusing on Black Metal. My Rockstar Killed Yours PO Box 532, Manalapan, NJ 07726 PH: 917-548-0795 Karin Graziadei info@myrockstarkilledyours.com www.myrockstarkilledyours.com Represents artists of many genres and works very hard to get artists and bands the best promotion possible! Heatwave Entertainment 2981 Duxbury Dr. Henderson, NV 89052 PH/FX: 702-648-5401 Dennis McCummings heatwavedm1@cox.net www.heatwavedbm.com A booking agency looking for new talent. Hopefuly I can be some help to some of our great new talent out there. On the Run Recordings 20b Westbourne Terrice Rd. Little Venice, London, W2 6NF UK PH: 07800-732-870 Heather Toghill bantonboots@yahoo.com www.ontherunprod.com Indie Label run by musicans for muscians. Features films, games and recording department. We're always looking for new acts to take on board! FuckTheSystem Records Crevantes 25 Santa Olalla, Toledo-45530, España PH: 34-678627506 José Henriquez jose.henriquez@fts-records.com www.fts-records.com An Experimental and Rock independent music Label. Palace Productions and Promotions 1057 Warwick Ct. Sterling, VA 20164 PH: 571-323-0986 Lawrence palacepromo@yahoo.com www.palacepropro.com I currently promote about 50 independent artists. In the future I plan on providing services for well over 150-300 clients. Please contact me with any questions you may have. Crazy Bear Records & Publishing Nyponstigen 6. 578 31 Aneby, Sweden Bjorn Andersson info@crazybear.se www.crazybear.se Independent Label featuring bands like Captain Orange and Mergel Kratzer. Don't Stop The Flow Records PO Box 246 Manchester, M8 9WR UK PH: 44-161-202-0035 FX: 44-161-202-0035 Steve Beer steve.beer@dontstoptheflow.co.uk www.dontstoptheflow.co.uk Recording label specialising in Hip Hop and Urban Pop. For Monsters Records Roberto formonstersrecords@yahoo.com www.myspace.com/formonstersrecords Obscure Garage Punk label from the island of Sardinia (Italy). Putting out raw vinyl for cavemen to dig on old records players. Serious Bizness Records PH: 859-433-9280 FX: 859-971-2328 Joe Fields seriousbiz@holyhiphop.com www.seriousbiznessrecords.com An independent label that promotes events in Central Kentucky for Holy Hip Hop. Courtland Records 1300 San Pedro Ave. San Antonio, TX 78212-4299 PH: 210-733-2147 FX: 210-733-2778 Fred Weiss fweiss@accd.edu Students in the Music Business program at San Antonio College proudly announce the formation of Courtland Records, named for the street on which resides the Jean Longwith Radio, Television and Film building. The record label is the brainchild of and Fall semester student project assigned by Professor Fred Weiss, who is also the Music Business program coordinator. During the Fall semester, students enrolled in a Record Industry class are creating a fully functioning music recording record label. Students, voluntarily working in groups, are managing the varied departments that represent a functioning record label. Departments operate under the direction of Label President Frank Garcia, and include a student Board of Directors, legal administration, production and manufacturing, marketing and promotions, and an Artist & Repertoire (A&R) group. This historic project pushes the boundaries of the classroom potential all the while creating a realistic work environment for students. The record label is the first of its kind at SAC and seeks to promote and release material by a local artist or band sometime this fall. Heatwave Entertainment PO Box 777671, Henderson, NV 89077 PH: 702-648-5401 Dennis McCummings heatwavedm1@cox.net www.heatwavedbm.com A growing entertainment agency offering service to conventions ,corporate, casinos, fund raisers, special events, wedding, and individual clients for music and booking entertaiment, and to musicians and actors in the area of personal management nationwide. Heatwave Entertainment is your source for booking music, talent and entertainment.
5. SITES WHERE YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR BAND'S MP3s OR VIDEOS Project Overseer Productions Chris Bishop projectoverseer@hotmail.com www.projectoverseer.biz An IOMA award winning `Online Music Distribution` site that’s fast becoming acknowledged as “The Place” for quality musicians to showcase & sell there music & videos. Our unique support structure and interactive environment allows plenty of opportunities to promote your talent. `POP` as we’ve become know as, is in the process of a cool upgrade, new tools are being added almost daily to help you look your best. You’ll also find a warm `kindred family` of musicians and music lovers waiting to hear YOU! Starter accounts are absolutely free, and offer many VIP features, and the option to get serious is there for a very reasonable fee. Join this fast growing OMD now and you’ll find an excellent home for your music. MP3 Musicgrams #5-7218 Progress Way, Delta, BC V4G 1H2 PH: 604-952-0400 Jeremy web@mp3musicgrams.com www.mp3musicgrams.com Sign up with MP3 Musicgrams to upload your band or artist's MP3 and photo, band/artist blurb and web page. Then add a message and send out your MP3 Musicgram. Use your custom MP3 Musicgram to promote your band or solo music online! Hit Makers 1115 N. Negley Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15206 PH: 412-523-3021 Kyle Allen hitmakersinc@gmail.com http://www.hmbeats.com The #1 site for Hip Hop music makers that want to sell their music over the internet. Indieglobal.com 11 Sedgemoor Place, Woodlands, Durban, KZN, South Africa, 4004 PH: +27314691850 FX: +27314691850 Norman May info@indieglobal.com www.indieglobal.com Website for independent artists, record labels etc. Upload MP3s, images, profiles & links (for FREE). PowerFX / Soundnation Halsingegatan 10b, 11323 Stockholm, Sweden PH: 46-8-660-9910 FX: 46-8-661-8810 Bil Bryant bil@powerfx.com www.soundation.com Offers the market a fully managed digital music distribution solution for record labels and independent artists under the name; "Soundation". With the Soundation webshop you can sell downloadable complete albums, singles, and live recordings in MP3 or CD quality. There are even options for selling CDs, T-Shirts and other merchandise. The Soundation webshop can be placed on MySpace pages, banner ads, websites or community pages.
6. HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR BAND Le Grand Fromage PO Box L, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 Michael Messina thebigcheeseac@msn.com www.myspace.com/thebigcheeseac Atlantic City venue trying to build the local scene. If you would like to book your band at the club, send us an e-mail. Music Industry News Network (mi2n) 1814 Astoria Blvd. Astoria, NY 11102 PH: 718-278-0662 Eric de Fontenay editor@mi2n.com www.mi2n.com/input.php3 Submit your press releases for free! Backstage Traffic Sean Treacy sean@backstagetraffic.com www.backstagetraffic.com The heart and soul of the Cork, UK music scene. Feldman, Franden, Woodard, Farris, & Boudreaux 525 S. Main, 1000 Park Ctr. Tulsa, OK 74103 PH: 918-583-7129 FX: 918-584-3814 Victor R. Wandres vwandres@tulsalawyer.com www.tulsalawyer.com Providing legal counsel in the entertainment industry, music business, copyright and trademark law. Mix Me Entertainment PH: 877-732-7978 S. Jones webmaster@mixmeentertainment.com http://www.mixmeentertainment.com Your source for unique Rap and Hip Hop beats. We have a weekly promotion featuring producers and artists on the site! Enter the producer/artists of the week contest and get featured. Static Chain PO Box 1100 Eldersburg, MD 21784 PH: 443-857-7096 Jason McKay jason@staticchain.com www.staticchain.com Networking Baltimore area artists, venues and listeners, to create a true music community. Hip Hop Monthly 3010 Coconino Dr. San Antonio, TX 78211 PH: 210-325-3579 Michael Jaime info@hiphopmonthly.com www.hiphopmonthly.com Devoted to the promotion of new Hip Hop music & artists. A place where underground meets mainstream. If submited music is approved artist may receive a free email blast going out to thousands of DJs, radio stations, record labels & telivision programs. Texas Music Connection Grady Smith texasmusicconnection@yahoo.com www.texasmusicconnection.com Home of The Texas Music Search Engine. Dedicated to uniting the Texas music community. Band Help David Vargas BandHelp@aol.com www.bandhelp.org Offering free resources to bands in order to help them reach the next level. IndieMusicLounge.Com 4828 W. Capitol Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53216 PH: 414-265-5756 Brandon Marcel brandon@indiemusiclounge.com www.indiemusiclounge.com Designed with the goal of supplying the indie world with great advice, tips, knowledge and free exposure. We also sell books, indie CDs, indie clothing and music gear. Indie Music 1000 4132 E. Joppa Rd. #110-953, Nottingham, MD 21236 Kevin Swink admin@indiemusic1000.com www.indiemusic1000.com The new revolutionary way of promoting your indie music business through the power of exclusive advertising. Music Biz Academy David Nevue dnevue@rainmusic.com www.musicbizacademy.com We aim to teach musicians how to use the internet to their financial advantage and to arm musicians with all the information they need to move their music career forward in the 'real' world. Superscope Technologies 1508 Batavia Ave. Geneva, IL 60134 PH: 630-232-8900 www.superscope.net Portable dual drive CD recorder for songwriting. Record yourself directly to CD. Play along to CD accompaniment and change key, change tempo, reduce vocals and set A-B repeat loops. Pick Guy PO Box 70, Westfield, IN 46074 PH: 317-698-5141 Marty Camire pickguy@verizon.net www.PickGuy.com Offers custom printed guitar picks and personalized guitar straps. We provide quality products at affordable prices. The Perpetual Publishing Group! 3600 SW 29th Ter. Ste. A, Topeka, KS 66614 PH: 785-383-1187 dB Heard dbheardinc@yahoo.com dbheard.moonfruit.com Independent Hip Hop, Rap and R&B music publisher in search of songwriters and composer wanting to publish their music. Ask Professor Flo www.professorflo.com Born from the idea of helping educate musicians about the pitfalls of the music industry, Mark Volman founding member, vocalist and manager of the legendary music group The Turtles and also a former member of Frank Zappa's Mothers Of Invention, created Ask Professor Flo. Through his inspiring and motivational lectures, workshops, seminars, courses and one-on-one consultations about the music industry, he brings extensive first-hand information, a history rich in support of independent music and a commitment to explain the complexities of an industry challenged by constant change and fierce competition. Jakprints 3133 Chester Ave. Cleveland, OH 44114 PH: 216-622-6360 FX: 216-622-6361 www.jakprints.com We continually strive to help each and every customer big or small, to expand and promote their passion with the highest quality service and merchandise. ABC Pictures 1867 E. Florida St., Springfield, MO 65803-4583 PH: 888-526-5336 www.abcpictures.com Quality publicity picture reproduction, posters, 8x10's, headshots & composites for the entertainment industry MyNewsletterBuilder comments@mynewsletterbuilder.com www.mynewsletterbuilder.com A user-friendly, feature-rich, online newsletter management program for novices and professionals alike. Busy Beaver Buttons PO Box 87676, Chicago, IL 60680 Christen Carter buttongal@busybeaver.net www.busybeaver.net We make custom buttons good, fast and cheap! Onlinegigs PO Box 6368, Delray Beach, FL 33482 PH: 888-595-3122 FX: 866-215-0034 Jay Flanzbaum support@onlinegigs.com www.onlinegigs.com Automates the administration of booking and promoting your band. It is a centralized database of nationwide venues, colleges, festivals and media contacts. CDstands.com 30 Compton Way, Hamilton Sq. NJ 08690 PH: 609-689-1711 Scott Clark info@cdreview.com www.cdstands.com We manufacture our own line of CD boxes for artists to sell their music at shows or in stores.
7. "Marketing Your CD to Make Money - PART ONE" by Daylle Deanna Schwartz, author of "I Don't Need a Record Deal! Your Survival Guide for the Indie Music Revolution", "Start & Run Your Own Record Label" and "The Real Deal: Your Survival Guide for the Indie Music Revolution". © 2007 All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission. All your hard work in the studio paid off. You have a CD that you're proud of. Now what? If you want to make money from your music, don't just throw the CD into the wind and hope it sells. Whether you like it or not, your music is a product that needs to be marketed. Indie artist Rich Hardesty says, "You have to be business oriented to succeed in selling CDs. I don't want to just be an artist sitting under a tree writing songs. If you want to sell CDs, you have to do the business." Develop marketing and promotional strategies that include incremental baby steps toward getting more opportunities for your music. Define Your Goals Create a long-term goal broken down into baby steps that can lead you to it. Indie artist Beth Wood suggests, "Define your goals. Often. Figure out what they really are - be specific." What you hope to achieve with your CD? Once you determine that, create small goals that can take you to the big one. Do you want a record deal? More gigs? An income stream from CD sales? Immediate and long-term goals help plan your direction. If it's your CD will mainly a marketing tool, you'll need to give more away. To make a profit, create a budget that balances free promotional CDs and those you sell. Identify Your Audience The first step for effectively marketing a CD is to target your specific niche - the group most likely to buy it, such as college students, adults under thirty -five, etc. Once you find the most likely market, figure out how to reach those potential fans. Research what venues, radio stations, publications, and websites are most likely to attract people who would appreciate your music. Focus on getting exposure through those. Develop a Promotion Strategy While ultimately music should speak for itself, it's harder if it has no one to speak to. Develop a plan of action to create more awareness of your music. Indie artist Kyler England says, "There are many great indie-friendly magazines, radio stations, and record stores that can help make your music visible and accessible to potential new fans. It's important to decide the best use of your time and energy." List publications that might review it and radio stations that might play it. Decide how many CDs you can afford to give away. Unless you have lots of spare cash, don't give them away randomly. Assess which media people on your list are most important to create the initial buzz. You can send to others later. Be Very Visible Keep you face in your local music community. Get to music events and network. Indie artist Alex Woodard says, "An industry pro said to always have a record with me everywhere I go. You never know when an opportunity will come up." When people like you, they'll listen to your music and tell others. Do local showcases and open mics. Always announce how to buy your CD. Attend conferences and hang at clubs with live music. Invite everyone you meet to join your mailing list and visit your website. Get them excited about your music. Developing good relationships by networking can get you an intro to a distributor and create opportunities for selling music. Create a One-Sheet A one-sheet is one sheet of paper with a concise summary of facts about your CD that can create interest. Rev. MOOSE, Editor-in-Chief at CMJ says, "You can fit a lot of information, including who produced it, who guest stars, a short bio of the band, a track listing, a tour routing, some quick press quotes." Design your one-sheet to look organized on one page. Walter Zelnick at City Hall distributors says, "A well-laid out black & white one-sheet is more important than a beautiful glossy which leaves stuff off." It can be sent to radio, agents, managers, distributors and stores. Set a Street Date Indie artists tend to release CDs whenever they're pressed. But if you pick a day to release it and promote it 2-4 months before that day, you'll have the best chance to sell more. Aaron Burgess, Managing Editor, Alternative Press Magazine, says magazines plan months in advance. "Sending a CD right when it's released is too late." When you send in material early, you're more likely to get press, which opens more doors. Send press (with a music sample), radio, and retail a one-sheet about the record months before its release to get an edge for getting media coverage and retail support. Go Grass Roots Mobilize your fans into street teams to create awareness, help find outlets and spread the word about your CD. Street teams can effectively generate an early buzz before street date. Who best to get people excited about your music than a fan? Beth Wood says, "People volunteer to give my music to someone they know (at a radio station, etc…), put up posters, call venues or newspapers, and spread the word about shows. That is how this music grows - it is very much word of mouth." Thank your fans for their help with t-shirts and free admission. Team with Other Artists Some indie artists have cooperative relationships - teaming up under the umbrella of one record label to share expenses and pool resources /mailing lists. Artists chip in for one publicist and have a better shot at distribution for a label with a number of artists. They share advertising and other expenses but retain all rights to their own music and arrange to get paid individually for sales. If you know artists with great CDs, consider getting a group to work together. Create a legal agreement, drawn up by a lawyer, spelling out everything that will be done, what each artist is responsible for and how expenses and sales will be handled. Design a POP Display POPs (Point of Purchase) are displays set up near cash registers to entice shoppers to buy those products as they pay for other items. Decorate boxes that neatly hold some CDs with artwork from the cover. Make them look as nice as possible. Then try to find stores that will let you leave one on the counter and sell your CDs on consignment (more below). Dress Your CD Packaging is the first thing people see. If yours makes a great impression, there's a better chance people will check out your music and promote it. Publicist, Ellyn Harris, Buzz Publicity, emphasizes, "Make your press kit look clean and have contact information on EVERYTHING. Make it easy for someone to contact you." While the music is ultimately what speaks, nice, professional packaging gets media people to listen to it. This business is competitive. Make your CD stand out by dressing it well!
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